Olivier de Preval

Olivier has been with Six Senses since 2020 where he was previously heading the Feasibility and Investment analysis team as well as the F&PA team.

He is now responsible for the development of Six Senses in Europe Middle East and Africa in incredible leisure destination and key gateways.

Adventurous hotelier of passion, Olivier started his journey in luxury hotels operation across three continents: Europe, Asia, and America. Following a double MSc in Hospitality Management (IMHI) and Finance (MIF) at ESSEC Business School, Olivier has 10 years of experiences in Banking, Investment, Asset management and development, underwriting large luxury portfolio transactions and single hotel deals.

Curious by nature, Olivier enjoys learning about new subjects and has continuously developed himself with tenacity and audacity. From reading a book, cooking a nice meal, starting a new sport, or just discovering the world, he is looking for the out-of-the-ordinary in the simplest moments.

James Farrah

James joined IHG in January 2024 and is responsible for leading the growth of IHG's upper luxury portfolio across the Americas region, including Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, and Branded Residential across all brands. Prior to joining IHG, James was part of Marriott International and held roles in both the law department and the development organization as Vice President of luxury hotel and branded residential development throughout North America. Prior to the hospitality industry, James was an associate in the real estate practice group at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington, D.C. James earned his undergraduate degree and JD from Georgetown University. He is based outside of Washington, D.C. and enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, traveling, experiencing new cultures, and keeping an eye out for luxury development opportunities.

Estefania Fausto

Estefania joined IHG in 2013 as an assistant in Development upon graduating from Universidad de Guadalajara with a degree in tourism administration. As a business development manager, she supports franchise sales and development in Mexico for the growth of all brands across the country. Her duties also include driving strategic negotiations of all retentions in Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean. Estefania is originally from California but moved to Mexico at the age of 5. She enjoys soccer, painting, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her daughters and partner. 

Jael Fischer

Based in Bangkok, Jael is responsible for expanding the Six Senses brand across the Asia Pacific – covering a diverse region from the Maldives to India, Japan, and New Zealand.

Before joining Six Senses, Jael enjoyed 11 years of hospitality experience across four continents, including five years at IHG Hotels & Resorts. She specialized in development, corporate finance, business analytics, and hotel advisory, including feasibility assessments, investment and market research, asset management, and owner representation.

Jael is an alumnus of EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with honors and a specialization in Corporate and Real Estate Finance. She has also completed Cornell University’s Certificate Program in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management.

Originally from Switzerland but raised in Africa and Latin America, Jael speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. Living in eight countries has allowed Jael to enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. She is passionate about holistic well-being, vegan cuisine, and dog fostering (saving over 30 dogs).

Vijesh Patel

Vijesh Patel joined Six Senses as a Senior Development Manager for the Americas with effect in May 2022. Vijesh was a Vice President in the Hospitality Investment Advisory practice at Hodges Ward Elliott. He specialized in supporting and executing various sales processes for full-service, institutional-grade hotel and resort properties with an emphasis on the ultra-luxury segment throughout North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Prior to HWE, he spent two years as an analyst on the Investment Analysis team at InterContinental Hotel Group where he partnered with the Development team to prepare pro formas and Capital Papers to support the approval of deals.

Vijesh graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from Goizueta Business School, triple-majoring in Finance, Economics, and Organizational Management. Prior to joining InterContinental Hotel Group, Vijesh completed his Master of Management in Hospitality (M.M.H.) degree with a minor in Real Estate from Cornell University.

He enjoys spending his free time reading, exploring the world and experiencing new cultures, being outdoors, and trying his best to stay in shape despite a massive appetite. His motivation and energy come from human connection and creating memorable experiences. Vijesh believes his purpose starts with kindness to others.

Marija Paulaviciute

Based in London, Marija is the Development Manager for the Six Senses brand, focusing on expanding its presence in the EMEA region.

Before this role, she was a Senior Analyst in Business Analysis and Growth Initiatives EMEA at Marriott International, where she focused on investment analysis and overall development strategies. Her hospitality background also includes experience in Asset Management and Acquisitions in Private Equity, and multiple operational experiences in Monaco and Lithuania. Marija’s experience also extends to the financial sector, with internships in Banking and Audit.

Marija holds a degree in Hospitality Management from Hotelschool The Hague, graduating with Cum Laude honours. She has further enhanced her financial expertise by passing the CFA Level 1 exam and becoming exam certified as part of Certified Global Management Accountant (CIMA) qualification.

Originally from Lithuania, Marija speaks Lithuanian, Russian, English, French, and German. In her free time, Marija enjoys exploring new cultures, traveling, and staying active.

Julienne Smith

Julienne Smith is currently the Chief Development Officer for IHG Hotels & Resorts where she oversees the company’s growth in the Americas region. Prior to joining IHG, she was Senior Vice President Development & Owner Relations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation based in Chicago from 2014 until 2019 where she was responsible for franchised and managed development in the United States and Canada. Julienne joined Hyatt in 2005 to help launch and oversee the growth of Hyatt’s select service brands throughout the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Julienne held several positions within Marriott International’s Lodging Development group in Bethesda, MD and Newport Beach, CA, prior to joining Hyatt.

Julienne is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences. She currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for BU’s School of Hospitality Administration. She is an active member in several hospitality industry organizations including serving as an executive board member for AHLA’s Foundation and ULI’s Hotel Council. Julienne serves on the Advisory and Planning Committees for the Hunter Hotel Conference, The Americas Lodging Investment Summit and NYU Hospitality Investment Conference. She also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Julienne currently sits on the board of the non-profit SafeHouse Outreach in Atlanta and volunteers for various charitable organization tied to Love Atlanta. She is an avid non-fiction reader, Yoga and mixed martial arts enthusiast, traveler and outdoor adventurer. A native of New Jersey, she currently resides in the city of Atlanta with her husband, two children and multiple dogs.